Do you hear that ringing? It could be Meniere Disease

Do your ears ring, is it more prominent in one ear than the other, is it a constant ringing or more of a throbbing? If you answered yes to all or some of these questions you could have Meniere disease.

Meniere Disease is a disorder caused by an abnormality in the inner ear which can lead to severe dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, vertigo, and other symptoms. It affects more than 600,000 people across the country, but many patients struggle with getting an accurate diagnosis.

Marc Szewczyk, MD, physician and otolaryngologist, Northern Light Ear, Nose, and Throat Care is acutely aware of what causes this disease, who may be at risk, and what steps to take to get a correct diagnosis. He says treatment options and healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce or remove the annoying ringing.

Here are some steps you can take if you suffer from these symptoms:

  • Reducing the body’s retention of fluids through dietary changes, such as eliminating or reducing salt, caffeine, and alcohol.

  • Taking medications, antihistamines, anticholinergics, and diuretics, that reduce the amount of inner ear fluid and ease symptoms.

  • Eliminating tobacco use and reducing stress levels.

  • Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and lowering salt and sugar intake.

If you have symptoms, Dr. Szewczyk suggests talking to your primary care provider who may refer you to a specialist. “Symptoms of Meniere disease can contribute to a decrease in quality of life. However, there is help. If you think you may have Meniere disease, speak with your provider today.”

Visit - https://northernlighthealth.org/Our-System/Eastern-Maine-Medical-Center/Care-Centers-Services/Ear-Nose-and-Throat-Care for information about services offered at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.

More information can be found at ENT.org.

https://www.ent.org/